Seat belt, child or baby car seat: what are the rules?

Verified 10 June 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Menstrual periods are different for a child than for an adult.

For a child

Infographie - Child in car: safety device
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A child under 10 years of age shall be attached in an approved restraint system suitable for the child's body type.

A child 10 years of age or older must be fastened with a seat belt, at the front or at the rear.

Child in car: safety device

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Child in car: safety device - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie
Crédits: Service Public (DILA)Infographie - Child in car: safety device

A child under 10 years of age shall be attached in an approved restraint system suitable for the child's body type.

A child 10 years of age or older must be fastened with a seat belt, at the front or at the rear.

In detail, the safety features according to your situation 

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The child is less than 10 years old

Installation of the child in the rear of the vehicle

In circulation, one child under 10 years old shall be settled at the rear of the vehicle.

However, it may be settled at the front in one of the following cases:

  • The child is settled in a back-to-the-road baby device in the front passenger seat, the airbag being deactivated. The back-to-the-road baby device shall be specially designed to be settled at the front of the vehicle.
  • The vehicle does not have rear seats
  • The rear seat of the vehicle is not equipped with a safety belt
  • The rear seats of the vehicle are temporarily unusable
  • Other children under the age of 10 already occupy all the rear seats of the vehicle. However, each child under 10 years of age should be supported by a approved restraint system adapted to its morphology.
Approved restraint system (car seat)

In circulation, one child under 10 years must be attached in a approved restraint, fit for body shape and weight (car seat).

The restraint shall have a approval certificate certifying that he is in line with European standards :

  • The R44 standard classifies devices into 5 groups corresponding to child weight. (only the devices referenced R. 44-03 and R. 44-04 remain authorized).
  • The R129 standard (Isize) classifies seats according to child size (This standard gradually replaces the R44 standard). All standard seats Isize have the system Isofix, which has been compulsory in new vehicles since 2011.

See the Road Safety website for know how to choose one child-friendly restraint.

However, the approved restraint system is not not required for a child who is in any of the following situations:

  • Child whose body shape is suitable for the use of seat belts (the car seat is up to 1m50)
  • Child with a medical certificate of exemption issued by a doctor approved by the prefecture
  • Child transported in taxi or transit vehicle
Sanctions

A driver who fails to comply with these obligations shall be penalized by a fine up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.

The child is 10 years of age or older

In circulation, children 10 years of age or older must be held by a safety belt provided the seat is equipped with it.

Children 10 years or older may be settled front like at the back of the vehicle.

A seat belt exemption is possible in case of inappropriate morphology or for medical reasons.

Every seat equipped with a safety belt must be occupied by a single child.

A driver who fails to comply with these obligations shall be liable to a fine up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.

For an adult

Use of seat belts

In circulation, the use of seat belts is obligatory to the front as at the back of the vehicle if the seat is equipped with it.

Every seat equipped with a safety belt must be occupied by a single person.

Exemption from the use of seat belts

You can be dispensed of the use of seat belts for medical reasons or professional.

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Medical Reasons

You are dispensed of the wearing of seat belts if you are in any of the following 2 situations:

  • Your body shape is clearly inappropriate for wearing a seat belt.
  • You have a medical certificate exemption issued by a licensed medical practitioner. The medical certificate shall state its period of validity. In case of control, you have to present it to the police.

Business reasons

You are dispensed the wearing of seat belts if you are in any of the following :

  • Driver of taxi in service
  • Driver or passenger of a priority vehicle of general interest or a ambulance, in emergency response
  • Driver or passenger of a utility vehicle constrained by the need to provide stop frequently in built-up area
  • Driver or passenger of a vehicle performing deliveries door-to-door built-up area.

You have no no gait to be dispensed.

Sanctions

Failure to comply with the requirement to wear a seat belt shall be punished by a fine up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135. The unattached driver also runs the risk of 3-point indentation his license.

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